Switch kit (PAL9520 - sold separately) is available for trucks without existing power locks

1-Year warranty

Made in Canada

Frustrate tailgate thieves and cargo bandits with this power tailgate lock. Use the Pop & Lock with your truck-bed cover or camper shell whenever you need to lock up valuables in your truck bed.

This sturdy, stainless steel lock resists corrosion and is custom fit to your Toyota Tacoma. The Pop & Lock mounts permanently inside your truck's tailgate handle, so thieving varmints can't pop it out. The lock is installed using basic tools - no welding or drilling is necessary. And the tailgate lock wires directly into your powered lock system using quick splice connectors. You activate the Pop & Lock using your keyless remote - lock your truck doors, and you lock your tailgate. No more fumbling for keys or going back to make sure you locked up. Just hit your door-lock button and your tailgate is secure.

A new tailgate can cost hundreds - this powered lock saves you the cost and aggravation of replacing a stolen tailgate. Used to be you could hang horse thieves, but in today's wild, wild west, theft prevention is best.

Video Transcript for Pop and Lock Locks PAL8521 Review

Today we're going to review part number PAL8521. This is the Pop and Lock Power Custom Tailgate Lock. This is a custom fit part. It is designed to fit the Toyota Tacoma vehicle, starting in 2005. On a custom fit part, I always like to recommend you go to our website, use our fit guide, put in your year and model vehicle, and it'll show you if this will work for your application. Now, this is a power tailgate lock, which will discourage theft of your cargo and your tailgate. It creates secure storage for you valuables when it's used with a tonneau cover or camper shell.

This works with your factory power lock system, so it will lock and unlock by using your remote keyless entry, so there's no extra keys to carry on your keychain. It is made of a corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Again, it is customized to fit your vehicle, and it integrates into your factory OEM tailgate handle. Since it's in that factory handle, it will help resist tampering. Now, this part includes everything shown here on the table, the power tailgate lock unit, the long wire cable, short wiring cable, nice set of detailed instructions, two quick connectors, and some cable ties to take up any slack in the wiring. This does install very easily.

It will wire into your power lock system using those quick splice connectors. There's no drilling or welding necessary. It requires only basic tools. This part will also work on vehicles with and without a factory backup camera. Now, if your vehicle does not have factory power locks, you can still use this lock. We do sell a switch kit part.

It's sold separately on our website. It's part number PAL9520. This is available for trucks that do not have existing power locks. That part will usually be listed on this product page as a related product. That should do it for the review on part number PAL8521. This is the Pop and Lock Power Custom Tailgate Lock..

Readers: I think the following is very useful information. Perhaps a bit wordy, but you should consider......& take the time to read. It might answer a few questions that I had myself before purchasing the product.
Product is high quality, very simple to install, and functional. Locking function is simple: It extends and retracts a steel bar to either allow or obstruct the movement of OEM cam which pulls the rods which acuate the side tailgate latches. Absolutely everything is included in kit for a one-stop installation (no need to run to hardware store to aquire missing parts...)
Video provided by eTrailer.com is extremely accurate. A novice installer would benefit from the instructional. Even an experienced tech would appreciate it.
My truck is a '10 Tacoma w/ Extended Cab (the model where the rear doors open "backwards"). The factory power wires are located behind the front kick-panel, not under the floorboard. ...should be obvious because there are no power locks extending any further back than the front door. Therefore, remove the floorboard edges for routing the wires to the front, but don't look there for any OEM wires to splice into because they don't exist until you reach the front kick-panel. It's a maze of wires, but with some evaluation, common sense, and process of elimination, you'll find the Blue-Black and Blue-Red wires. (Side note: The Blue-Red looks a bit like Blue-Pink).
Without sounding conceited, I consider myself an expert installer. The project took me about 1 hour (with the majority of time taking care to do a quality job of routing the Pop-Lock power wire from tailgate to the front.) In order to assist your customers, I wish to comment on two alternatives in my installation:
Instead of drilling a new hole in bottom of tailgate as video describes, utilize the existing camera wire loom. Take some time to unlatch the support clips and carefully cut the loom open. It's a tight fit, but with enough patience, the PopLock wires can be inserted into the OEM camera wire loom and follow the same route. This results in a very clean and professional looking installation.
The second alternative was to splice the Pop-Lock wires into the PASSENGER side Blue-Black and Blue-Red wires instead of the Driver side. Reason is Functionality: Most vehicle owners have the OEM Remote Transmitter to lock/unlock the doors. We expect only the driver door to unlock with one click, and the remaining doors to unlock with two successive clicks. I wanted my tailgate to follow this same pattern. I didn't want my tailgate locking / unlocking every time I pushed the buttons. Even if you try to be slick and unlock the driver door by old-fashioned insert-key-into-lock-cylinder-and-turn..... wrong. The door-lock cylinder mechanism has a sensor and will send an unlock signal to the Pop-Lock regardless.
Final Comment: I love it. I have a higher comfort level knowing my items are more secure, and that the tailgate latch is completely unmodified from the outside, meaning no interference with the OEM camera, either. Pop-Lock is well worth the investment.
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So its been about a year since installation. It works great: Absolutely nothing negative to comment. I like how the tailgate unlocks in synch with the passenger door needing 2 successive clicks from the keyless transponder - note that I wired it into the PASSENGER side OEM wires. There is no electrical interference with the Pop-Lock wires running in the same loom as the OEM camera wire the camera image remains clear. The Pop-Lock gives a nice solid clack sound when activated some people might find this sound objectionable. But it gives me the comfort of knowing the mechanism moved. Just by adding some sound-deadening material to inside tailgate can silence the clacksound, if desired. It is a strong unit piece. I tried pulling hard on the tailgate handle for simulated criminal tampering... I think the door handle would break outside before the inner workings would fail. Wonderful product!

Schrimp - 02/10/2015

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by: Mark L09/01/2013

This is an excellent product, however when I opened the box it was plain to see there was no split loom covering over the supplied wiring harness. etrailer was very apologetic and was willing to send me the split loom or credit me the cost of the covering. ($6) Plus they were available to answer the phone on a Saturday!
The installation video posted on this site was very helpful. My particular vehicle is an access cab, so there were a few differences. No need to go beyond the driver side kick board covering to find the correct wires for connection. I also drilled my own hole and used a 1/2" grommet in the bottom of the tail gate for a cleaner install. One tip I would suggest is to find a block of wood equal to the gap between the tailgate and body of the truck for drilling this hole. I noticed on the video the technician did not do this. Very important if you want a clean hole in the metal.
Product works as advertised. Not going to lie, I was upset with the lack of split loom covering on the wiring harness. Overall I think etrailer.com is a great source for parts and information.
-Mark
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Pop and Lock recently changed these kits. They no longer include the wire loom. Per the requests of many installers, they opted for a heavy jacket around the wire rather than a corrugated loom that for some was making installations slower. A smooth jacket is easier to to snake through tight areas than a corrugated loom. Once we were aware of this change, we got the ball rolling to update our photos and shortly we will have all of these listings updated.

Patrick B - 09/03/2013

2014Comments

Thanks for the update Patrick!

comment by: Mark L - 09/07/2013

2032Comments

Still working as well as the day I put it in - Mark

Mark L - 09/01/2014

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by: Jim J07/16/2013

This product was used on a 2013 Toyota Tacoma 2wd 4 door Prerunner. Awesome product and I love the video, just a "breeze to install" said my son who spent about an hour. What I like about this lock compared to the key lock is obviously no key, but you can lock yourself in while camping, you know in case a bear gets a little curious. We used loctite on the bolt threads based on other reviews and also he choose to route the wire harness straight up the center channel panel instead of going through the engine compartment and used silicone to fill and gaps. I will definitely come back to eTrailer, their customer service is great, the shipping was fast and the website was easy to maneuver.
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awesome product...thanks again

Jim J - 07/22/2014

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by: Jeff07/08/2013

The product information says installs in minutes, not true, installs in a hour if your proficient with your hands and autos. I had a little trouble with the wiring instructions, but received excellent tech support, which cleared things up and the installation went flawlessly. The product works great, but will see if it holds up to long term use. I would recommend this product to anyone wanting to put a lock on the tailgate of their truck, what a great convenience instead of a keyed lock.
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Update its been a year later and this product works great, no problems.

Jeff - 07/10/2014

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by: J. 012 taco01/14/2013

Good product, and it worked!! Its loud when it operates and it rattles when you close the tailgate. but nothing that a fabricated bracket and itssome sound deadening material can't fix.. Overall its worth it.
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Comments

Going great, no complaints.. Excellent product, recommend it to all my friends with a Tacoma. I still dont know why Toyota doesnt use that as an option.

J. 0 - 07/22/2014

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by: Luis R.01/21/2014

it is an good lock for the tail gate it you have a one of the hard top bed covers but, you have to do a little modification to it. Ok just by installing to with the one screw (using a lock nut) if you apply enough force to the tail gate handle it will move from its place and the gate will open (Pop&lock needs to fix this problem). What i did is i use tie wraps to hold it in place so if you force the tailgate handle it will not move. I thinking on making a better modification but for the time being this works fine.
114364

Great product, highly recommended if you need to lock your tailgate. Much more convenient than carrying an extra key plus there are no ugly aftermarket parts showing.
Installation was easy thanks to the etrailer video. Can be challenging (but not impossible) to do by yourself so having a buddy would be worth paying them a few beers.
Like other reviewers have said, it does make a bit of noise when the mechanism opens and closes but it is not a deal breaker for me. Be sure to put the lock washer in, I can see how the bolt will come loose after repeated use.
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Comments

Yes I still like the lock, it works the same as when I installed it, just great!

comment by: Andrew - 02/19/2014

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by: Stan06/20/2011

Great idea! One central power lock installed inside the tailgate. Easy to install from mechanical point of view. Instruction is very clear at this step. Unfortunately wiring hook up is very unclear in installation instruction. NO pictures or drawing. I've spend 3 hours to figure out where to hook-up the power lock. Once I've installed is working great!!! I love it. Stan
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Comments

2013 Toyota Tacoma Dual Cab: My son installed this in an hour, choose to not go through engine compartment with wiring rather straight up to center channel. I used loctite on bolt. Works like advertised, fast shipping. I will do business again. ThanksJim

comment by: Jim - 07/14/2013

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by: Todd B.08/15/2013

Great product. Excellent instructional video!
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Comments

Yes Patrick, Excellent

Todd B - 03/04/2015

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by: Jimmy M08/25/2013

I installed this lock on my 2013 Tacoma 4x4 Crew Cab. The lock was easy to install and took about 4 hours (taking my time). The Pop a Lock kit contained all the hardware required for the install and there was no surprises. The lock works well! I'm really glad I bought this.
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This product is simple to instal and i have no handy mechanic experience. The video provided by etrailer is good but there is an easier way to get the cable inside the cab to get the wire connection. Underneath the drivers side on a 2013 tacoma trd double cab there is a wire cap that is just beneath the drivers side where u need to connect the pop & lock wiring. If etrailer can research and edit their video for the new 2013 tacomas it will get a 5 star rating.
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by: William P07/19/2014

After reading many reviews I went a head and ordered one of these for my new 2014 Tacoma. To my surprise the install went really easy. I took the advice of others and went ahead and installed it on the passenger side so that it unlocks only when you unlock all doors on the truck. Start to finish it took about 2-1/2 hours. I can be done quicker but I took my time just to avoid and mishaps. I am really happy with this investment.
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by: Mitch12/28/2013

Could not be more satisfied with etrailer.com. I ordered this lock on the Sunday before Christmas and was expecting it to be delivered the week after. However I received and email on Monday morning saying they had expedited and already shipped. I received the lock yesterday. They do take care of their customers.
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by: NICK01/28/2013

I love how easy this product installs and the K.I.S.S. install video instructions. It does make a loud noise of metal to metal rubbing when using the item but it works great! The sound just reminds you it's working so if you don't hear it then it's not working.
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by: Phil e04/02/2015

I rcvd my order within a few days. The tailgate lock was very east to install. I actually youtubed it but bcz of the lenght of cable I was able to run it along the camera line making the install look clean and stock. Thank you for this amazing product!
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by: bill06/16/2011

very easy install 17115

Comments

Wow! Good product. Thanks to Pop and aLock to have this kind of lock for my Tacoma tailgate. Its very easy to install and I did it by myself.

comment by: Danny K - 05/15/2013

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Glad to hear you like it, theres a few folks around here who have them on their trucks.

Patrick B - 5/15/2013

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by: Brian W08/26/2016

Super easy install. Hardest part was finding the 90 minutes to do the install. I used corrugated tubing to protect the wiring. Secure and hidden.
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by: George01/18/2013

I love it, still don't understand why Toyota doesn't include a locking tail gate but this product works great and is easy to install.
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by: Kevin Lynch05/08/2015

I have a 2011 Tacoma 4x4 6 ft bed. It fit perfectly. Excellent quality and looks good. Thanks for shipping to Hawaii.
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by: pao t07/18/2014

I just love it, it took me an hour just to run the wire under at the right location but overall it's a great product...
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The Pop and Lock Tailgate Lock, part # PAL8521, will fit your 2013 Toyota Tacoma with a backup camera. It does not require any drilling for installation. You will use existing holes in the vehicle to run the wiring.
I am including a link to a video of the # PAL8521 tailgate lock being installed on a 2012 Toyota Tacoma.view full answer...

To install the Pop and Lock Custom Tailgate Lock, part # PAL8521, you should locate the wiring harness that goes into the drivers side door and attach one wire to the blue wire with red stripe wire and the other wire to the blue with black stripe wire, on your 2012 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab. There should only be one harness exiting the kick panel area and continuing on into the drivers side door.
It is not recommended to connect the wiring to the passenger side doors since on most vehicles...view full answer...

For a manual tail gate lock for your 2013 Toyota Tacoma with the backup camera you can use # PAL5400. I have included a picture that shows where the camera will mount on the new lock. I have also included a link to a video review of this lock for you.view full answer...

We do offer a range of backup cameras you can use on your 2015 Toyota Tacoma TSS, but these are aftermarket stand-alone products. We do not offer the OEM camera that fits into your tailgate handle; this you would purchase through your local Toyota dealership.
The most cost-effective option comes from Hopkins, their license-plate-frame-mount Smart Hitch system # HM50002 that is both a backup camera and a hitch aligner in one. To illustrate this product's features and installation I have...view full answer...

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma can be equipped with a power tailgate lock, a manual lock or no lock, depending on the trim package ordered. Your Toyota dealership where you are purchasing the vehicle can advise what type of tailgate lock equipment is supplied on your specific Tacoma.
The Pop and Lock # PAL8521 Custom Power Tailgate Lock will work with a factory power lock system on all Tacoma trucks for model years 2005 through 2013. It installs with basic hand tools using the included wiring...view full answer...

I spoke with my contact at Pop and Lock and she informed me that yes, the Pop & Lock Custom Tailgate Lock, part # PAL8521, will work with the integrated back up camera that is in the tail gate of your 2011 Toyota Tacoma.
There is not any drilling required to install the Pop & Lock Custom Tailgate Lock, part # PAL8521, and can be installed with basic tools. The Custom Tailgate Lock, part # PAL8521, includes a 1-year warranty.view full answer...

The kick panel is that trim piece located to the left of the emergency brake pedal, a little forward, and to the right of where the door hinges (if sitting in the driver seat). Different vehicles have this panel attached in different ways so I am not certain what tool or tools you will need to remove it.
view full answer...

According to Pop and Lock, the power lock and unlock wires for your 2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab should be located in the same area as the Double Cab models. You will want to look for a blue/black wire (lock) and a blue/red wire (unlock) behind the driver side kick panel. You will see many wires behind the kick panel, so locating these wires can be tricky.
I strongly recommend using a circuit tester like our Quickee Tester, # 3808, to test the wires before you cut or splice into the...view full answer...

The correct Pop & Lock Custom Power Tailgate Lock for your 2008 Toyota Tacoma is part # PAL8521. This power tailgate lock works with your factory power lock system, so it locks and unlocks using your remote keyless entry system.
The tailgate lock wires directly into your vehicles OEM powered lock system.
The part you mentioned is designed for Ford vehicles, so you will instead need the # PAL8521.view full answer...

The Pop & Lock Custom Tailgate Lock # PAL8521 will convert the factory tailgate handle to a locking tailgate, whereas the Pop & Lock Custom Tailgate Lock # PAL8525 converts a non-powered locking tailgate by Pop and Lock like part # PAL5400 or # PAL5500 so that it can be powered by the power locks of the vehicle.
You would want the # PAL8521 since it sounds like you don't have a # PAL5500 or # PAL5400 installed on your truck.view full answer...

The Pop and Lock Tailgate Lock, # PAL8521, fits all models of the 2010 Toyota Tacoma, including those that have a factory installed backup camera. The lock comes with wiring to tie into the electric door locks nearer the front of the truck since there is not a readily accessible harness at the rear of the truck.view full answer...

The Pop & Lock Custom Tailgate Lock # PAL8521 that you referenced is designed to work with your existing power door locks, so when you lock your truck, you lock your tailgate. You would not need the # PAL8525 as well.
The # PAL8525 would be used with the # PAL5500 to upgrade it, but would not be needed with the # PAL8521.
The # PAL8521 would work well with your factory backup camera as well.view full answer...

I checked directly with Pop & Lock for tailgate power lock kits for your 2004 Toyota Tacoma and their kit # PAL8510 is a fit for your truck. This power lock works with your factory power lock system, so it locks and unlocks using remote keyless entry. Wiring, connectors and hardware are included for this no-drill-installation item.view full answer...

Pop and Lock tailgate lock # PAL8521 fits all models of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma, including your TRD double cab. The installation should be nearly identical to the video, linked for reference. One tip that I can add is that should the wire color be different than what is indicated in the instructions be sure to test the wires on the truck using a circuit, like # 3808 if needed, to locate the correct wires.view full answer...

I spoke with my contact at Pop and Lock and he said that when people have issues like what you described it's typically that they are trying to lock their vehicle with the remote with the truck's door left open.
If the power locks on your truck are working fine there's no reason the remote would stop working based on the install of the # PAL8521.view full answer...

You have found the correct wires to use for the installation of the Pop and Lock tailgate lock part # PAL8521. What is most likely happening is that the connection to one of the wires isn't making full contact and that is why the unlock feature doesn't want to work.view full answer...

Pop & Lock does confirm that their Custom Power Tailgate Lock # PAL8521 is a fit on all versions of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
I reviewed the detailed instructions that are available on their website and note that in your case you will access the lock wiring by removing the driver's kick panel, finding the harness going to the door and locating the Blue/red (+) and Blue/black (-)wires. Use the supplied quick-splice connectors to tap into the power lock system.
We do not yet have a video...view full answer...

Yes, the Pop and Lock tailgate lock # PAL8521 will fit your 2014 Toyota Tacoma with factory back up camera. You can also make this a powered locking tailgate by adding conversion kit # PAL8525.view full answer...

The Pop & Lock Custom Tailgate Lock # PAL8521 that you referenced will work well to lock the tailgate of your 2007 Toyota Tacoma, since the lock is operated by the key fob, not by a physical key. We installed this tailgate lock on a similar Tacoma that did not have any kind of tailgate lock. I have attached that installation video for you.
For a tonneau cover, I recommend the BAKFlip Fiber Max Hard Tonneau Cover, Folding, Aluminum and Fiberglass # BAK126406. This tonneau cover is a custom...view full answer...

I spoke with my technical contact at Pop and Lock to get more specific installation information for your 2005 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab. He told me that there are three possible wires that you can use on your truck, blue/white, solid blue, and blue/pink.
The blue/yellow wire would not be the correct wire. I recommend using a test light like our Quickee Circuit Tester, # 3808, to test for the correct wire. Circuit testers are also available at most local hardware and auto parts stores....view full answer...

I spoke with my contact at Pop and Lock and was told that you should locate the wiring harness that goes into the drivers side door and attach one wire to the blue wire with red stripe wire and the other wire to the blue with black stripe wire, on your 2011 Toyota Tacoma 2 door model.
There should only be one harness exiting the kick panel area and continuing on into the drivers side door.view full answer...

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Because we take providing accurate product information seriously, we take our own detailed product photos, demo videos and installation videos, as well as verify measurements, instructions, and vehicle fit information.

Information for this part was:

Photos by:Jackie C

Expert Research:Robert G

Expert Research:Michael H

Expert Research:Jeff D

Written by:Tricia G

Expert Research:Reno H

Expert Research:Jameson C

Video by:Joshua S

Test Fit:Nicholas E

Expert Research:John H

Video Edited:Patrick B

Updated by:Adele M

Expert Research:Adam R

Photos by:Jim W

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Info for this part was:

Photos by:Jackie C

Expert Research:Robert G

Expert Research:Michael H

Expert Research:Jeff D

Written by:Tricia G

Expert Research:Reno H

Expert Research:Jameson C

Video by:Joshua S

Test Fit:Nicholas E

Expert Research:John H

Video Edited:Patrick B

Updated by:Adele M

Expert Research:Adam R

Photos by:Jim W

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